CONTRAST-ENHANCED MR-IMAGING OF THE BREAST - COMPARISON OF 2 DIFFERENT DOSES OF GADOPENTETATE DIMEGLUMINE

PURPOSE: To optimize detection and diagnosis of breast lesions with contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A three-dimensional fast low-angle shot pulse sequence was used for a group comparison consisting of 76 high-dose (0.16 mmol gadopentetate dimeglumine per kilogram of body weight) and 76 low-dose (0.1 mmol/ kg) examinations. Intraindividual comparisons were possible in a subgroup of 20 patients. RESULTS: Enhancement with the high dose was about 1.5 times higher for benign and malignant tissues. With the lower dose, no false-positive findings could be avoided and definition of a threshold that excluded false-negative findings was problematic. Conspicuity of malignant lesions was much improved with the higher dose (a good to excellent rating in 81% vs 26% with the lower dose). Three small foci were visible only with the higher dose. CONCLUSION: The higher dose of contrast material allowed much better results. Dose comparison studies are also recommended for other techniques.